In the news

Mixed messages: The results from the latest Newspoll make for interesting reading. The PM has taken a hit in the popularity stakes, reducing his ratings to near mortal proportions. More from The Australian here. The poll also shows that while most voters are prepared to pay more for energy as a result of responding to climate change, that's not the case when it comes to petrol. Or is it? George Megalogenis is not so sure. Find out why here.

Failure of imagination: After copping a pasting in Gippsland, Federal Government MPs return to their electorates for the winter recess, tasked with the job of selling Labor's budget initiatives. But there are some worrying signs that Kevin Rudd's team are failing to effectively communicate a political narrative that voters can engage with, warns Shaun Carney in The Age.

Alexander Downer - Warrior Statesman: Is this the TV series we've been waiting for? Starring a fishnet wearing, diplomat-cum-action-hero, with a bad attitude and an accent that's born-to-rule? Sadly, its not to be. In fact, this is the title of the ever impartial Janet Albrechtsen's profile in today's Australian. With some big omissions, it's Awfully and Woefully Biased.

Popey no jokey: NSW citizens have already endured outrageous increases to state power as a result of the Sydney Olympics and APEC. Now add Catholic World Youth Day to the list. Laws come into effect today enabling police to arrest and fine people for "causing annoyance" to WYD participants and allow partial strip searches at hundreds of Sydney locations. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald here.

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